The Verve Pipe isn’t going to lay down and play dead. I’m sure many of us were hoping to never hear “The Freshman” again, but you won’t hear anything like that on their latest self-titled album. What you will hear is a magnificent piece of art that’s sure to take them from their current ‘one hit wonder’ status and elevate them to a level I didn’t think possible. “Supergig” comes out like a tiger, and I must say The Verve Pipe never relents. I’m so impressed with this album that I’m actually recommending it to all my friends.
There are so many tracks I found myself singing well after they had ended. “She Loves Everybody” is a perfect example of this. These guys have found the recipe. I don’t know what ingredient they were barely missing before but they’ve thrown it in, and another pinch for good measure. “Hero” is this album’s “The Freshman”. Though it doesn’t sound anything like it, it’s similar in that it is sure to get way too much radio time and drive you crazy. Lucky for us this album is filled from beginning to end with tasty dishes.
Need something a little different? “Television” is the Verve Pipe paying homage to Trent Reznor. The industrial grind steals almost all focus. Oh, sweet glorious pop. “In Between” dons one of the best choruses on the album. “Kiss Me Idle” finds them downshifting to a much slower gear. Not so slow and boring that it will make you ill, just slow enough to catch your imagination and borrow your thoughts for four or so minutes.
So are you ready for a real surprise? The best tracks are toward the end of the record. Tracks seven on are the most impressive. “Headlines” starts the stampede. This chorus is it. I don’t know what it is, and honestly I couldn’t care less. “Half A Mind” is slow. But boring? Nope. Just close your eyes and absorb the words, the sound, the consciousness, and enjoy what you are hearing.
The two best tracks are “Generations” and “La La”. “Generations” starts off kindly and struts along increasingly until the chorus marches into a vocal prestige I would’ve never expected from Brian Vander Ark. I can’t even express my appreciation for “La La”. The verse starts off so beautifully that it sends shivers from my spine into my mind. The harmonies are fantastic. I mean, they aren’t the Beach Boys, but the simplistic harmony of ‘ah’s’ do a good job. They left me humming loud enough to stir up my neighbor’s dogs. The great thing about this album, the shining star, is the last track, “La La”.
After each and every listen I find myself more and more drawn in by this collection. This is The Verve Pipe’s brightest hour. If they have more where this album was drawn from, then I honestly cannot wait for all of the b-sides as well as the next album. The most striking thing is that I honestly was never quite impressed with any of The Verve Pipe’s past efforts. Now I’m awed. They put me in my place. The Verve Pipe is for real; my words can’t do them justice. If you don’t buy this record, it’s your loss. I already have my copy.
+ cc
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.